Africa Day concert returns to Bassline Jozi.
Africa’s biggest celebration of cultural heritage returns to Newtown on May 28th, with a star-studded celebration that will see some of the continents biggest acts take to the stage to celebrate diversity through unity.
Africa Day marks the establishment of the Organisation of African Unity (now known as the African Union) back in May 1963. The organisations objectives were to promote unity between African nations and provide a support mechanism for liberation movements of colonized African nations. Today, Africa Day serves as a day to celebrate our heritage, despite our differences, and showcase the continents history and culture through arts.
This is the 12th year that Bassline in Newtown has been the backbone of this celebration and this year sees a line up that far surpasses any of the previous concerts, with a strong focus on female empowerment.
One of Africa Days main funders is The National Lottery Commission (NLC). The NLC relies on funding from the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act guides the way in which NLC funding may be allocated. The intention of the NLC is to make a difference in the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organizations. Available funds are distributed to registered and qualifying non-profit organizations in the fields of charities, arts, culture and national heritage; and sports and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLC contributes to South Africa’s development.
We are proud to announce the return of our major broadcast sponsor, SABC2, with a live broadcast of the concert from 20.30-23.00 on the 28th may 2016. “SABC2 has in recent years adopted 6 pillars which include World Exposure and our association with the annual Africa Day concert proves our commitment to reaching out to not only South Africans but the continent as a whole”, says SABC2 Channel Head Gerhard Pretorius. Kaya FM is supporting this initiative wholeheartedly. “For her to thrive once again, Africa needs her women to stand firm as women, and her song to keep playing for her children to sing along”, says Kaya FM MD Greg Maloka, “Kaya FM is pleased to be associated with the Africa Day celebrations showcasing the continent’s rich and diverse talent.”
From the Department of Arts and Culture’s perspective the official theme for the event is 2016 Africa Month Celebration – “We Are Africa – Opening the doors to learning and culture from Cape To Cairo. ”The inaugural Africa Month celebration took place in 2015 and is back with a bang in 2016. Africa Month celebration is aimed to highlight Africa Day as the founding of the organization of African Unity, now African Union, and its aim to decolonize our continent from alien rule and oppression in general. The 2016 Africa Month celebrations will further build on the 2016 Jan 8th statement made by President Jacob Zuma that Africa must act in unity, harnessing the collective power of its people, for it to take its rightful place on the global stage.
Zonke, top South African songstress and producer, Waje, Nigerian superstar, Maleh and the Soil from South Africa, Haya Samir from Egypt and Maya Kamati from Reunion are just some of the popular African female-based acts that will grace the stage. Some heavyweight male peers such as Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi, Mali’s Songhoy Blues, Vadou Game from Benin and Nakhane Toure from South Africa will join them, making the line-up a great representation of our diverse and culturally rich continent – and a great night out on the town!
